Frequently Asked Questions

Attempting something for the first time can be daunting and hiring an Interior Designer is no exception. Knowing if your visions will align, if they are qualified professionals, how long a project takes to complete and most importantly; what is billable - are all are common questions to ask yourself.

We’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions with detailed answers to provide you with reassurance and clarity of what to expect when working with our experienced design studio. For further insight into our interior design processes follow the links to our journal posts listed below.

The Designers

What experience do you have?

Our carefully crafted residential interior design services have provided us with the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients over the years. We mindfully balance our time between projects of various sizes, scopes and locations with varying deliverables, providing a high-end, luxury service we’re extremely proud of.

Our specialty is providing a full turn-key service, managing entire projects from initial concepts right through to a white-glove service upon completion.

How qualified are your interior designers?

Rachel Usher leads our studios design team, a diverse group of designers from various backgrounds and levels with over 30 years experience combined within the industry - All of our designers are qualified to degree level in Interior Design and Interior Architecture.

What is your style?

To us, a memorable interior experience is achieved by solving interior design conundrums with an emotionally considered approach. Our style is defined by the individual sensory reactions, things such as scent, tactility, light and colour are all elements which we consistently consider within each space we design. This is a personal approach which allows for designs to be created with you at the centre, providing spaces which are intellectually considered whilst reflective of you as an individual.

Can I see more samples of your work?

Yes. Due to the personal nature of our work not all clients wish for their spaces to be shown digitally via our website. Upon request we’re able to share a design presentation PDF which includes examples of further finished projects we’ve completed as well as demonstrating the technical work behind the luxury interiors we produce.

Will I be working one-to-one with a designer?

This will depend on the scale and scope within your individual project. All clients are appointed a lead designer who will be your direct contact throughout the design process, projects which require bespoke designs will usually be supported by an additional design team member to ensure schemes are completed on time.

The Interior Design Process

When should I hire an interior designer?

As soon as possible. Our projects generally require a few months to complete and because of this studio time is allocated per client well in advance; to ensure spaces are completed on time. As a reputable interior design practice we see it as our responsibility to be transparent and honest, we may be able to arrange an initial consultation at short notice but its important to appreciate the time required to design, source and schedule installation for any scheme designed by us; regardless of scale. Our studio diary and timings will always be openly discussed within your initial consultation.

What is the sequence of phases that my design project will go through?

Most of our projects are approached in four stages; concept, scheme, detailed design and installation - a carefully crafted structure which provides you with presentation points between each stage to gain your thoughts and feedback on the designs we produce.

How involved in the process will I need to be?

The purpose of paying for an Interior Design is to outsource the time, knowledge and skills required to create an truly considered, beautiful and functional space so it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. We’re happy to do everything for you whilst encouraging any feedback and thoughts at key stages during the design process - to ensure our vision aligns with your own. We request that clients make time for meetings and try to eliminate any distractions where possible so that your are in a position to engage with the design, providing valuable and honest feedback.

How do we get started?

We kindly ask all prospective clients to initially provide an overview of their project and in most cases we will send a brief email with guided questions, allowing us to gain a better understanding of your project and individual requirements. Experience has taught us that generally email is the best way to communicate initially as it allows you time to think about certain points - a call tends to put clients on the spot. We’ll then assess your needs and our studio diary, next inviting you in for a free one-hour initial consultation. At this stage you’ll be able to discuss your project with our design directors in much more detail but most importantly you’ll be able to get to know us and see how we work.

What happens in the initial consultation?

You’ll meet with our Managing Director, Rachel Usher and Design Director to discuss your project in detail at our beautiful Bawtry design studio. We provide a free, one-hour consultation for the purpose of gaining an understanding of your project; this isn’t for us to talk about our design ideas, the aim is to understand your initial thoughts. We’ll go through any existing drawings or plans you may have and will discuss budgets and time frames in more detail. If you wish to proceed with our services following the initial consultation we will prepare a fee proposal which outlines the projects brief and details the exact costs for our services - split into the individual stages from our service structure.

How will you communicate the final design scheme with me?

At end of each stage of the interior design process we plan presentation dates around you at our Bawtry Studio . We will talk through our ideas, showcase samples and will explain costs in a collaborative relaxed environment; we’re happy to hear your ideas and thoughts and will act accordingly. Working with clients in this way ensures that you are involved and understand the individual elements we have considered for you - through a fully transparent process. If your brief changes and you decide to follow a different direction to that which was specified originally additional design fees may incur.

What if I am unhappy with your designs?

In the unlikely event that the deigns presented aren’t suitable we will take feedback from you to understand why and where you think further work is required - if this was indicated within your initial project brief and we have overlooked points you have made in error we will be happy to make changes without additional fees incurring. If you have changed your mind and wish to progress the design in a new direction this isn’t a problem however additional design fees may be applied.

Interior Design Services

I live outside of the South Yorkshire area, can you still work with me?

Yes, whilst we’re based within the South Yorkshire region we work with clients across the UK - including London boroughs. Depending on the specific location of the property and the scale of the project travel expenses may be included within your initial fee proposal.

Can you work with me if I’m based in another country?

Yes, we’re experienced in working with international clients and are happy to conduct consultations and presentations either via Skype or in person. Depending on the specific location of the property and the scale of the project travel expenses may be included within your initial fee proposal.

What type of projects can you do?

The studio works on luxury residential interior design projects and commercial design projects - of various sizes, scopes and locations and with varying deliverables.

Do we need to use your contractor or architect?

We’re happy to work with your own contractors and architects or we can suggest contacts who we have worked with previously and have established trust in their work. We would always advise to appoint contractors, architects and interior designers around the same time so that the vital communication needed is in place right from the start of your projects development stages. Without this in place from the start works may need to be repeated and project deadlines are often extended dramatically.

do you manage the entire project?

Yes, we manage projects from concept right through to the final installation - with a with glove service upon completion. You can learn more about our service structure here.

How are purchases for the project handled?

We will handle all purchasing for you. Planning orders and deliveries can be stressful and if not timed correctly can mean that storage costs are involved. It’s also extremely important that items are checked upon receipt, if damages during transit occur - which does happen occasionally - these must be reported to the manufacturer's in a timely manner; otherwise you may find yourself stuck with an item which isn’t fit for purpose. As we purchase items on your behalf all of the above is looked after for you, with all the individual elements which make up your space arriving according to your project deadline, checked and unpacked safely.

Interior Design fees

How do you charge?

Our design fees are calculated based upon the estimated hours required to fulfil your brief. We outline all of our design fees within your fee proposal and invoice each stage prior to commencement of works. Invoices for products and tradesmen are invoiced and require prompt payment before orders are submitted with our trusted suppliers.

Do you charge for your first meeting?

Our initial consultations are free of charge and last for around one hour. Before initial consultations are booked we require an overview of your project, information relating to your individual space - in most cases we will request this via email. Initial consultations are then utilised to gain an in-depth understanding of your project and to discuss any existing drawings or plans. We’re also able to talk you through our previous projects and answer any initial questions you may have.

How much will you charge to come to visit my project?

Charges for site visits vary depending on the location of your project, we’ll always communicate these costs in advance, in most cases these will form part of your individual design fee proposal.

Do you offer discounts for multiples rooms?

As our design fees are calculated based upon the amount of time required to produce the work necessary for realising a space which fulfils your brief and because of this we’re not able to provide discounts for multiple rooms.

Is there a contract?

Yes, once you have received your feel proposal and you are happy to proceed with our services we will send a standard service agreement to you, digitally, where you will be required to E-sign the document.

CONTACT THE STUDIO

If you have any further questions or wish to enquire about booking an initial interior design consultation please do get in touch. Our formally trained and experienced team are happy to assist, responding to all new enquires within 24hrs during the working week.